THE CRUISERWEIGHT DIVISION

LAST BIG FIGHTS

CRUISERWEIGHTS NEWS CLIPS

  Jones bruises Arslan to win WBA cruiserweight title
  Five Great Cruiserweights the division never saw
  Ranking the Cruiserweights: March 2009 - Bad Left Hook
  Tony Danza's Take on Boxing and the Contender
  King of the Cruiserweights
  Back to the Cruiserweight Division
  Cruiserweight Title Eliminator: Braithwaith vs Guillermo Jones
  Nwodo Training Camp Notes
  "Ding-A-Ling Man" Darnell Wilson Bombs Out Davis

 

 

 

 

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Huck Defeats Lebedev

WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco "Captain" Huck (31-1, 23 KOs) made a fifth successful title defense in Berlin on Saturday night when he clinched a split decision victory over mandatory challenger Denis Lebedev (21-1, 16 KOs). After 12 brutal and bruising rounds, Huck was ahead 115-113 on two cards, while the third judge ruled it 116-112 in favor of the previously unbeaten Russian. "It was a tough fight, Lebedev was a very, very strong opponent," Huck said. "I cracked my rib in the fourth round and whenever I threw a punch in the following it hurt like being stuck with a knife. But I hung in there and showed my big heart. I did not give up and kept fighting. That is what being a ..read more


LATEEF KAYODE’S KNOCKOUT STREAK CONTINUES; CUBAN OLYMPICAN LUIS FRANCO REMAINS UNBEATEN

Don’t Miss The Thrilling Replay On Thursday, Dec. 9, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO 2

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2010) – The knockout streak lives on forLateef “Power” Kayode, the Hollywood cruiserweight from Nigeria who registered a sixth-round knockout for the 14th consecutive fight on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME® Friday night from Chumash Casino Resort.

In the co-feature, former Cuban Olympian Luis “La Estrella” Franco remained undefeated moving his record to 8-0 (5 KOs) with a disqualification (low blows) win over Eric “Outlaw” Hunter at 2:34 of the eighth round.

In the main event, Kayode (15-0, 14 KOs) defended his cruiserweight NABO and NABF titles against a game Ed “The Georgia Thumper” Perry, 34, of Frankfort, Indiana, a former high school football player who drives a dump truck for a living. Perry (18-5-2, 11 KOs) hung in there with Kayode, but just like Kayode’s last 13 victims couldn’t last, taking a knee at :51 seconds in the sixth round....more


BJ Flores to challenge IBO champ Danny Green

LAS VEGAS / SYDNEY (September 9, 2010)—It was announced Monday afternoon that undefeated and world ranked cruiserweight, BJ Flores will take on Perth’s favorite son Danny “Geen Machine” Green on Wednesday November 17th in Greens’s hometown for the IBO Cruiserweight title.

Flores accepted the challenge and is more than ready to travel down under to face Green for that championship.

Green and Flores kicked off a press tour today that started in Sydney and will continue to Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane over the next five day for the bout that will undoubtedly be the biggest fight of Flores’ career.

“This feels like Christmas has come a little early this year”, said Flores.

“I have finally gotten the fight he has been craving

Flores called out Green over a year ago and feels that Green’s first round stoppage over Paul Briggs was the main reason Green has decided to step up and face a real guy.

“I am looking forward to finally getting an opportunity to face a top fighter and a two- time world champion in Danny Green. I take my hat off to Danny for deciding to fight me. This is a fight I have wanted for a LONG time. I hope I am the underdog. I hope everyone picks against me so when I completely destroy him on November 17th and then I will get more opportunities to face top fighters. This will be a life changing fight for me. This will be my coming our party”

“Life is all about timing and sometimes things don’t happen on my time. However, my BIG moment has finally arrived. I have been in the gym with nothing but heavyweights for the last year. I have improved my strength and explosive power 10 times! This will be much different than fighting Manny Siaca or Paul Briggs. Danny will find out VERY early in the fight that 25lbs is a BIG difference. This will also be the most difficult opponent of my career and I am Very excited to get this opportunity. I would not have taken this fight in his hometown if I wasn’t sure I could knock him out!”

“The Fans in Australia deserve better than Siaca and Briggs. .They can finally watch Green in a real fight with a guy who is bigger stronger and faster than him. I know he has a lot of momentum going for him as he won a few fights and I’m sure because of what he did to Roy Jones, him and his fans think that he is invincible, but on November 17, those fans will see and more importantly Danny will feel what it is like to be in with a younger, hungry fighter who is eager to show the fans all over the world that I am one of the best cruiserweights in the world.”


Huck to defend WBO Cruiserweight Title against Lebedev

Marco Huck (30-1, 23 KOs) will make a fifth defence of his WBO Cruiserweight Title on December 18 when he faces mandatory challenger Denis Lebedev (21-0, 16 KOs) in Berlin. The fight will take place at the Max-Schmeling-Halle. “I look forward to fighting in Berlin again,” Huck said. “Lebedev is a tough challenger with a great record. We are both very powerful and have tremendous KO power so the fans can expect a big battle. I will of course defend my title and leave the ring as the winner.”

Huck defeated Victor Emilio Ramirez in August 2009 before edging Ola Afolabi in his first mandatory defence four months later. He has stopped Adam Richards, Brian Mino and Matt Godfrey since. “Lebedev is a very strong challenger,” Huck´s coach Ulli Wegner said. “After Ramirez and
Afolabi, this is once again a huge test for Marco. But I am sure he will take care of business.”

Lebedev, who has never tasted defeat, enters the fight with an intimidating record of 21 victories along with 16 KOs. His last eight fights all ended early, including his second-round KO win over Alexander
Alekseev in July. “I am sure that Marco Huck has never been so nervous ahead of a fight,” said Vlad Hrunov, Lebedev´s manager.


Frenkel knocks out Maccarinelli to clinch European Cruiserweight Title - Press Release September 19, 2010

Alexander Frenkel (23-0, 18 KOs) is the new European Cruiserweight Champion after a spectacular KO victory over Enzo Maccarinelli (32-5, 25KOs). The unbeaten 25-year-old floored the former world champion with a vicious left hook in the seventh round of their clash at the LG Arena in Birmingham. Maccarinelli beat the count but found himself on the floor again when Frenkel followed it up with another heavy series of punches.
“I am very happy,” Frenkel said. “It was a tough fight against a very dangerous opponent. Maccarinelli was very strong but in the seventh round I hit him.”

After winning the opening round, Frenkel was trailing on all scorecards by the time he connected. “I wanted him to throw the left hook,” coach Ulli Wegner said. “We knew that Maccarinelli was a tough opponent but we also knew that Alexander has incredible punching power. That he showed once again tonight. However, he should have been more active in the opening rounds.”

Manager Wilfried Sauerland, who had predicted a stoppage in the seventh or eighth round, was pleased with Frenkel´s performance. “Just like Arthur Abraham at Super-Middleweight, Frenkel has the most powerful single KO punch in his division. He can end any fight with just one shot. He put on a strong performance and we are very happy to have added another champion to our team.”

On the undercard, Karo Murat (22-1, 13 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career as he was outboxed by Nathan Cleverly in a WBO Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator. The referee stopped the fight after nine one-sided rounds. “I am very disappointed,” Murat said. “I will analyse my mistakes and bounce back.” Cleverly was in full control throughout,
making good use of his advantage in height and reach. “We knew Cleverly would start out strongly but I had expected Karo to be more active after five rounds,” Ulli Wegner said. “He should have been much more aggressive but he will learn from his mistakes. You must never forget that he does not have a big amateur background and is still very young.
He will be back.”


Huck Determined to crown 100th ARD broadcast with big win over Godfrey

Marco Huck´s WBO Cruiserweight Title Fight against Matt Godfrey will be special for more reasons than just one. The hard-hitting 25-year-old (29-1, 22 KOs) will make the fourth defence of his title on Saturday night in Erfurt, Germany, which will mark the 100th broadcast of a Sauerland show on German public TV giants ARD. He also needs a victory to book his place in the Cruiserweight Super Six, which Wilfried and Kalle Sauerland are hoping to finalise in the next weeks. “There is a lot at stake this time out,” Huck said. “I want to put on a special performance for the millions who are watching on German TV and all over the world.” Huck claimed he is not thinking about the potential Super Six series – yet. “It has crossed my mind because such an idea would be a great thing for the exciting cruiserweight division but right now all my focus is on Matt Godfrey,” he added. “I will knock him out.”

Godfrey (20-1, 10 KOs) is confident he can spoil the big party on Saturday night. “I am here to win this fight,” he said at today´s press conference. “I want to thank Team Sauerland for giving me the chance to come over and take the title. They have picked the wrong opponent. I am no Brian Minto or Adam Richards – Huck has never been in the ring with someone like me and I will be doing things he has never seen before. I will bring home the title.” Added his promoter Jimmy Birchfield: “Matt is coming off the best camp of his career. We had to send home five sparring partners, including two heavyweights, because he knocked them all out. We are ready and we will take the title on Saturday night.”

Wilfried Sauerland joked he did not know that there were any American heavyweights left. “Marco is in top shape and I am sure he will crown our 100th ARD broadcast with a big victory,” the Hall of Fame Promoter said. “Godfrey is a tough guy and he moves very well, but Marco will eventually track him down. He needs a victory so that we can finalise the Super Six tournament in the cruiserweight division which hopefully will begin at the end of this year. But first things first – Marco should not look past Godfrey who is a strong opponent.”

In the co-featured main event, Robert Helenius (12-0, 7 KOs) has set his sights on the vacant EU Heavyweight Title as he takes on Frenchman Gregory Tony (12-0, 10 KOs). Helenius – the “Nordic Nightmare” – came to fame in January when he sensationally stopped former world champion Lamon Brewster in just his 11th fight.


The Tiger is Hungry for Prey

Former IBF cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov (38-3-1, 32 Kos) has dropped back down to cruiser from the heavyweight division and is actively seeking a "name" opponent.

A fearsome body puncher seemingly incapable of taking a backward step, Jirov, 36, earned his reputation as a crowd favourite the hard way, by never being in a bad fight. Among others, Jirov was in the Fight of the Year against James Toney and retired then #1 heavyweight contender Joe Mesi.

Manager Ivaylo Gotzev says he has several lines in the water for Jirov. "I made contact with (top-rated cruiserweight) Danny Green's people, thinking that after the Paul Briggs debacle, he'd want a better challenge. Hopefully Danny Green, the mighty warrior from Down Under won't disappoint his fans in Australia."

Plan B, according to Gotzev, is fighting on the same show as Roy Jones Jr. and then two facing each other after that in St. Petersburg, Russia. "We've wanted Roy Jones for well over a decade. Hopefully we can bring this to reality."

Whoever Jirov ends up facing, Gotzev says he's sure the fans will be the ultimate winners. "The plan is to mix it up with a big-name fighter and make some exciting fights. No matter who Vassiliy fights, rest assured, his style is do or die and he will not disappoint. He's a proven warrior ready to return to battle. 'The Tiger' is back on the Hunt."


BJ Flores ready and willing to face Yoan Pablo Hernandez in cruiserweight showdown for IBF eliminator!!

LAS VEGAS (July 7, 2010)—Today the International Boxing Federation (IBF) ordered the camps of top available contenders, Yoan Pablo Hernandez and BJ Flores to have a free negotiating period until July 20th to complete a deal for the two fighters to engage in an elimination bout for the top contender spot for the right to face IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham.

If a deal is not reached the bout will go to purse bid.

"I am very excited about facing Yoan Pablo Hernandez in this tremendous opportunity to be the IBF mandatory challenger.” said Flores.

“He is a very good fighter but I am 200% confident in victory. He will not beat me!!"

The potential of facing off with IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham has Flores’ mouth watering.

“it is very hard not to think about facing the best fighter in your division when you feel it is so close. First things first with Yoan and then we will have the opportunity of a lifetime to face the most accomplished cruiserweight in the division, Steve Cunningham. This is the break I have needed for a long time. A fair opportunity to face the BEST in the division"

Even though Flores has been inactive he has stayed busy working as sparring partners for World Light Heavyweight champion Chad Dawson and former WBA Heavyweight champion John Ruiz. Flores also was the main Sparring partner for current WBA Heavyweight champion David Haye before his April 3rd title defense with Former champion Ruiz.

"Even though i have been out of the ring I am always working out and always staying sharp. I put in a lot of hard work and hard rounds with those three former champions and learned many valuable lessons in the last year. People always are asking me when I am fighting again. The time is NOW... Stay tuned!! "

On the part about staying sharp and sparring and putting in rounds i want to add in that "I have been lifting weights and doing ply metrics over the last year to become more explosive. This year off has given my body a chance to heal and I have no injuries and have become way stronger and gained valuable experience being in the camp of three different world champions. I will be in the best shape of my life to make sure this fight doesn’t go the distance...I can’t wait!"

Flores of Las Vegas has a record of 24-0-1 with fifteen wins coming by knockouts, can also be seen as a guest studio analyst on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights for which his next appearance will be July 16th for the Zab Judah – Jose Armando Santa Cruz fight from Newark, New Jersey.

For more information or interviews with BJ Flores, Contact:


Cunningham Clinches IBF Cruiserweight Title

Press Release: June 4, 2010

In the co-featured main event, Steve Cunningham made a winning debut for Team Sauerland as he clinched the vacant IBF Cruiserweight Title thanks to a fifth-round TKO victory over Troy Ross. Cunningham controlled the center of the ring from the first second on, cleverly keeping his opponent at bay with his strong left jab. He landed a big left in the first round and not soon after Ross´ face was swollen. The pattern remained the same, with Cunningham dominating and landing good shots before Ross scored a knock-down with a big left in the fourth. However, Cunningham responded with a powerful punch that badly cut Ross below his left eye. The ring doctor advised the referee to stop the fight after one second of the fifth round because of a vertically cut eyelid. Since the injury was caused by a punch, as the referee ruled, Cunningham won by TKO. After the fight, the supervisor confirmed the referee’s decision. Ross will undergo surgery today before flying home. “We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery,” Team Sauerland General Manager Chris Meyer said. “It was a high-class fight and we are thrilled to have added another champion to our line-up. Steve Cunningham is a great fighter with a great team.”

Cunningham thanked his entire team for their great support. “It is great to be a champion again,” he said. “We have worked so hard and I want to thank my whole team and of course Team Sauerland who made this possible. I knew Ross would cut easily and that he could not beat me. The plan was to keep touching him and hit him hard later on. I am very happy. My goal is to become the best cruiserweight in the history of boxing.”

Promoter Kalle Sauerland congratulated him on a strong performance. “That was USS Cunningham at his very best,” he said. “He has a great team behind him. He has now defeated all three reigning cruiserweight champions. After the tremendous success of the Super Six tournament, we will be trying to put together something similar in this exciting division. We got WBO Champion Marco Huck under contract so we have a lot of options. I can promise fight fans all over the world that the best will be fighting the best at cruiserweight, too. We will try to sort out the details in the next couple of weeks.”

On the undercard, Yoan Pablo Hernandez cruised to an uncontested points victory over Zack Page.


Huck to defend WBO Cruiserweight Title against Godfrey

WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck (29-1, 22 KOs) will take on Matt Godfrey (20-1, 10 KOs) in Erfurt on August 21. It will already be his fourth title defence. “Godfrey is a tough fighter, but he will not get my title,” Huck said. “I want to keep impressing the fans all over the world and I am determined to put on a spectacular performance against Godfrey.”

Huck has just returned to Germany today after joining 2010 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee Wilfried Sauerland for a special weekend in Canastota, where he also met new stablemate Steve Cunningham. The IBF Cruiserweight Champion handed him the sole loss of his career back in December 2007. “I hope we will meet again at some point down the road,” Huck said. “There is still something that needs to be settled between the two of us.”

Huck enjoyed the Hall of Fame Weekend. “It was great to meet all the boxing legends and visit the Hall of Fame,” he said. “I am still impressed. One day I want to be among the biggest champions, too. I will start with a victory over Godfrey on August 21. That is all I am thinking about right now.”

 


 

Huck stops brave Minto to retain WBO Cruiserweight Title

Press Release: May 2, 2010 - Photos by Wende

 

 Marco “Captain” Huck (29-1, 22 KOs) made a successful third defence of his WBO Cruiserweight Title when he stopped Brian “The Beast” Minto (34-4, 21 KOs) in the tenth round of their clash in Oldenburg, Germany. Fighting in front of a boisterous crowd of 3,500 fans, Huck landed his trademark power punches in every round. His huge right did most of the damage, knocking Minto down in the third and fifth round. But the American refused to give up. He hung in and fought back – only for Huck to land even more punches. The 25-year-old German hammered in huge combinations to body and head before another right sent Minto down again the ninth. He came back to his feet but his corner ultimately decided he had taken enough punishment. “It was a spectacular fight and I really take my hat off to Minto,” Huck said. “I was surprised how many shots he could take. I knocked him down three times but he refused to give up.....click here

 


Herbie Hide Favorite as Prizefighter Returns
Press Release From April 13th 2010 - Watch Herbie Hyde Highlights

The Prizefighter SeriesPrizerfighter returns later this month with former WBO heavyweight champion Herbie Hide among the contenders in the second cruiserweights competition.

Prizefighter Cruiserweights II takes place on Friday, April 30 at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, east London.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport's Managing Director, was expecting another great night of boxing entertainment. He said: �Boxing in the UK is buzzing right now and we are delighted to announce the next instalment of the Prizefighter Series with the Cruiserweights on April 30th.

�Seven of the leading UK contenders will be trying to capture the crown but to do so they will have to take out the number one WBC contender and favourite to win Prizefighter  ....more


Captain Huck Dusts Richards,

Press Release: March 14, 2010ï Pictures by Wendeï Read Fight Preview

Marco “Captain” Huck (28-1, 21 KOs) defended his WBO Cruiserweight Title with a spectacular third-round TKO victory over Adam Richards (23-3, 15 KOs). The 25-year-old German champion started to land his trademark power punches in the second round before dropping his opponent in the third. Huck followed it up with another firework that sent his opponent down again, prompting the referee to call the one-sided contest off. “I am never pleased with my performance because I can always improve but I am happy that I defended my title in front of my fans in Berlin,” Huck said. “I really wanted to put on a good show to please everybody. I am happy with the result.”

Coach Ulli Wegner lauded his fighters´ explosiveness. “Marco is very strong and very explosive. He punches extremely hard. But he still has to learn a few things. He is just 25 years old he still has a lot of time left. I am very happy with the progress he has made during the last couple of fights.”

Manager Wilfried Sauerland also liked what he saw. “If Marco has an opponent in trouble, he is absolutely ruthless and goes for the KO. The fans love his explosiveness and aggressiveness. His fights are very exciting to watch. There are big things coming up for him.”


Captain Huck Defends Against Richards

Marco “Captain” Huck (27-1, 20 KOs) will return to the ring on March 13.

The WBO Cruiserweight Champion will defend his title against American challenger Adam Richards (23-2, 15 KOs) in Berlin´s Max-Schmeling-Halle.

It will be Huck´s second defence of the belt he won in August 2009 with a points victory over Victor Emilio Ramirez. “I am thrilled to defend my title in Berlin,” Huck said. “It will be the first time I enter the Max-Schmeling-Halle as a world champion. I certainly want to please my home fans. I think I have made a lot of progress in the past months and I am eager to put on another exciting performance on March 13.”

Huck comes off a points win over tough challenger Ola Afolabi. Right now, he is shaping up in Palm Springs. Coach Ulli Wegner has moved training camp to California where King Arthur Abraham will take on Andre Dirrell in the second round of the Super Six tournament on March 6. “It will be a busy month for us but Arthur and Marco have been doing very well in practice,” Wegner said. “I am sure we will be successful.”


 

Huck Defends WBO Cruiserweight Title

Press Release: Picture from Team Sauerland

Marco “Captain” Huck (27-1, 20 KOs) celebrated a successful first defence of his WBO Cruiserweight Title when he clinched a unanimous points victory over Ola Afolabi (14-2, 6 KOs). The 25-year-old German used his explosiveness and punching power to keep his opponent at bay. He was ahead 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 on the judges´ scorecards. “I am happy about my performance,” Huck said. “It was a tough fight against a very awkward opponent who moved a lot and was difficult to hit. I am delighted to have defended my title and now look forward to a great and relaxing Christmas time.”

Huck was the aggressor from the first bell on as he constantly attacked Afolabi with his trademark assaults. He landed strong combinations in almost every round. The fifth round was Afolabi´s best, with an uppercut briefly wobbling the champion following a clash of heads. “I should have knocked him out,” Afolabi said. “But Huck is a great warrior and a great fighter. It was a very close fight and I thought I won, but there are a few things I could have done better.”

Huck´s coach Ulli Wegner liked what he saw. “Marco did very well. His style does not match well with Afolabi´s so we had to work hard in practice to implement a proper game plan. Marco fought a great fight and he did not allow himself to be provoked by Afolabi´s antics. I am pleased with his performance.” And manager Wilfried Sauerland added: “It was a great year for Marco. He is just 25 years old and already world champion despite making only very few amateur fights. Marco has matured as a fighter and as a person and he once again showed that in the ring against a tough opponent.”

 


 

Zsolt Erdei and the Cruiserweight Division

By Michael Amakor - November 21, 2009

Zsolt Erdei (31- 0, 17kos) seized the WBC Cruiserweight belt from defending champion Giacobbe Frogmenni (26-2 -1, 10kos) in a 12 round competitive contest in front of a boisterous crowd at the in Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein in Germany

Although Zsolt got the decision I believe Frogemeni deserved the nod as the defending champion and he certainly proved his point by pressuring Erdei from the middle rounds to the bell, and the judges acknowledged his efforts, but scored it 115-113, 114-114 and 115-113 razor thinly against the 40 year old Italian.

I have never been a fan of the unbeaten Hungarian Zsolt Erdie, mostly because he restricted most of his fights to his adopted country of Germany and also because I never got to see any of his fights before today if not for the internet , but nevertheless he really impressed me in this fight because despite weighing in at a very light 178.8 lbs, he still withstood all the 195.88lbs Frogemeni had to offer and went toe to toe in this fast paced grueling fight to seize the WBC Cruiserweight belt.

True boxing fans must admire Zsolt Erdie for making over 10 defenses of his WBO light ..continue


Steve USS Cunningham To Face Matt Too Smooth Godfrey For Vacant IBF Cruiserweight Crown?

Former Cruiserweight King Steve USS Cunninghams dreams of regaining the IBF Cruiserweight belt from the man that took his coveted title, by close split decision, following their epic Fight Of The Year nominated battle back last December, were shattered on Monday when Main Events boss Kathy Duva announced that Tomasz Goral Adamek had relinquished the crown.

The IBF reacted quickly to Adameks resignation by announcing that Matt Too Smooth Godfrey would be the next available for the vacant title and ordered negotiations to start for the fight with USS Cunningham.

USS Cunningham, once described as the by Bad Left Hooks Steve Christ as the Worlds nicest man due to his never having a bad word to say about his fellow boxers or the would be opponents that have avoided him, took a typically philosophical stance on hearing the news by saying, "Once again, I've got my marching orders, my mission is to be two time world champion, and with Adamek vacating the title, my sights are set on beating Matt Godfrey, I honestly thought it was going to go this way since July so he's been on my radar.

It's kinda bittersweet, I've wanted the rematch since December, I thought I did enough to win the fight then and I wanted to take my belt back from Adamek, but if the rematch can't be made, this is the next best thing. I've been saying since December I'll be 2 time in '09, and I still want that. I'm ready, willing and able to fight anyone for the IBF World Title, I've been in the gym steady, like I always am and I am ready to fight."

It is expected that an announcement of the date and location of Steve USS Cunningham vs. Matt Too Smooth Godfrey for the IBF Cruiserweight World Championship will be made shortly. Go to www.usscunningham.com for more information.


B.J. FLORES TO FACE ARGENTINAN KNOCKOUT ARTIST MAURO ADRIAN ORDIALES AT “HOOK CITY” ON AUG 15TH

WORLD RANKED UNDEFEATED CRUSIERWEIGHT TO BATTLE SOUTH AMERICAN SLUGGER ON ROY JONES-JEFF LACY PPV IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI

LAS VEGAS (July 29, 2009)—Undefeated cruiserweight contender, B.J. Flores will take on Mauro Adrian Ordiales of Bahia Bahia, Argentina as part of the August 15th “Hook City” Pay-Per-View that will feature the legendary Roy Jones Jr.-Jeff Lacy tussle in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Flores of Las Vegas sports an undefeated mark of 23-0-1 with fourteen knockouts is currently ranked #11 by the WBC, #6 by the WBA, #11 by the IBF and #3 by the WBO is looking forward to the challenge of the tough fighter from South America.

“He has fought many top guys held currant WBO Champ Victor Ramirez to a controversial majority decision and lost a highly competitive stoppage in their rematch.” said Flores

“I am extremely motivated as many guys did not want to fight me and I know he wants to come in here and knock me out. But I am going to be up to the challenge as my last three opponents, Darnell Wilson, Jose Luis Herrera, and Oridales had a combined fifty-nine wins and 55 knockouts when they fought me. It was just a few months ago where he was ranked in the top-ten in three of the major organizations. I am coming to show the world that on August 15th that I will be the one who scores the big knockout.”

“I know that not only do I have to win but I have to be exciting and with all the great fighters on this card, I am looking to steal the show and springboard me to a major fight after this.”

Oridales is a thirty-four year old who has a record of 21-6 with twenty knockouts.

Among those losses Ordiales has only dropped fights to major names in the Cruiserweight division and they are to the current WBO champ Victor Ramirez twice, recent world title challenger Rudolf Kraj, highly regarded contender Grigory Drozd.

In “Hook City,” two of boxing’s dominating left hookers, 8-time world champion Roy Jones Jr. and 2-time world champion Jeff Lacy, go to battle on Saturday, August 15 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi to determine the most powerful hooker and the NABO Light Heavyweight Champion. “Hook City” tickets, priced at $150, $125, $100, $75, $50 & $25 are on sale and available at the MS Coast Coliseum Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in the United States on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95, as well as on Super Channel in Canada.


Team Gunn Reflects on Adamek Fight

Hackensack, NJ - With constant ridicule from the media leading up to the fight, Bobby Gunn stepped into the ring against Tomasz Adamek last Saturday not only for an insurmountable opportunity but also to show his harshest critics that his 2007 bout with Enzo Maccarinelli was an inaccurate way to asses him as a fighter.

Coming into the bout both mentally and physically prepared, Gunn, 21-4-1 (18 KO’s), gave his all against the cement fisted Pole in front of a vocally injected sellout crowd at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. To Gunn’s surprise, his night was cut short by the ringside physician following the fourth round. While Gunn admittedly ate a ton of leather in what ultimately was the final round, he had no intentions of quitting. Even with a disappointing end to his challenge for the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight titles, Gunn has no animosity towards the doctor who stopped...more


 

CRUISERWEIGHT PRE-FIGHT QUOTES

Bobby Gunn - “I am looking forward to this fight. When I was younger I got off track. When I was younger my little boy couldn’t be a part of this, now he can. This fight is my dream. This is the modern day Cinderella story. No one expects great things of me. A lot of the media has ripped me off. If I didn’t come to fight this fight at my best, to fight my heart out, I wouldn’t have respect for the sport and I love the game. I’m a warrior. You know, beware of a dangerous man. Because I am, I’ve got nothing to lose.”

 

Tomasz Adamek - Welcome all my fans again to Newark and Prudential arena. Again I will defend my IBF Championship and Ring Magazine belt. I can make a guarantee now. Bobby Gunn and my fans around the world will see my winning effort and another knockout on Saturday night.”

In response to Adamek’s comment Bobby Gunn said with a smile “He’s not as nice as he was at the last press conference, he’s meaner now!” Kathy Duva said “yes, Tomasz Adamek has his game face on.”

 

Steve Cunningham – “It’s good to be going back into the ring with my new trainer Naazim Richardson. People are going to see an improved Steve Cunningham on Saturday, both physically and mentally.

 

“Big Truck [Wayne Braithwaite] is still a player, a former world champion, but my job is to make him look bad on Saturday.”

 

TRAINERS CORNER

Naazim Richardson – “Steve is heck of a human being that happens to know how to box. He’s good for the game. “This kid Braithwaite that Steve is fighting is one of the most dangerous big men out there when he shows up with his A game. It says a lot about Steve that he fights Tomasz Adamek and then comes right back to face a tough guy in Braithwaite.”

 

Andrew Gmitruk, Tomasz Adamek trainer (in response to the Cinderella story comment from Gunn) “It’s really nice to hear fairy tales, but those stories are for children. We are grown men. We are going to teach reality on Saturday.”


Godfrey ready to cage Hawk on way to world title fight

PROVIDENCE (July 7, 2009) NABF and SNBC cruiserweight champion, Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey hopes the fourth time is the charm for him when he takes on unbeaten Shawn “The Sioux Warrior” Hawk in the main event on this week’s ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show from The Arena in Philadelphia.

In a battle of full-blooded Native Americans, Godfrey (18-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 6 by the WBC and No. 7 by the IBF, is a Wampanoag fighting in the 10-round headliner against a Sioux, Hawk (18-0-1, 16 KOs).

Godfrey was supposed to face Herbie Hide earlier this year in a WBC Eliminator, but Matt was unable to fight due to a hand injury, and an IBF title fight against Tomasz Adamek, planned for this weekend, fell through when Showtime passed on the opportunity to broadcast.

“I’m preparing for Hawk as if I were fighting Adamek,” Godfrey said during a break from a recent workout. “This is a very important fight because I have another opportunity to showcase my skills on live national television. Fights fall through, that’s boxing. I can’t do anything about it and all I can do is keep focused on this fight. I don’t know too much about Hawk other than I know I’m going to beat him. He doesn’t bring anything that strikes fear in me – nobody does! He’s heavy-handed and he doesn’t know how to lose. Those are his two best assets. I’m not worried but I’m still taking him serious.”

The 28-year-old Godfrey, rated No. 10-ranked by The Ring magazine, has had his three most impressive performances fighting on ESPN FNF, knocking out Emmanuel Nwodo, Felix Cora, Jr. and Shaun George.
“This is my fourth main event on ESPN and it’s an opportunity for the sanctioning bodies, media and fans to see me again in action,” Godfrey added. “Every year I believe I’m going to be fighting in a bigger spotlight. I’m hoping that the fourth time around will lead to a world title fight for me. I’m ready to prove that I’m one of the best cruiserweights in the world; I believe I’m the best. When you’re rated in the top 10 by Ring, you’re definitely one of the best because there’s no politics involved, and it lists all of the different champions, not just the top contenders. I’m hoping a convincing win will push me up a little more in the ratings.”

Go on line to www.mattgodfreyboxing.com for more information.


FIGHTER BRAGGADIO

Bobby Gunn Promises Fireworks on July 11!

Hackensack, NJ (July 4) - Every year on July 4, millions of Americans celebrate our nation’s freedom with their friends and loved ones. One of the most traditional and enjoyable ways to honor America ’s independence is to attend a fireworks spectacular.

Powerful, loud, and colorful could best describe the impressive display that keeps so many proud Americans entertained at parks and sports stadiums annually. While July 4 fireworks shows will take place at countless locations across the Land of the Free, Bobby Gunn is planning his own special extravaganza, albeit slightly off schedule.

In exactly on week, Gunn, 21-3-1 (18 KO’s), will challenge IBF/Ring Magazine Cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Nicknamed “Goral” for his astonishing chin and toughness, Adamek is universally regarded as the top Cruiserweight in the world. In facing an opponent who impressively defeated former world champions ...continue


 

ADAMEK VS BOBBY GUNN

Quotes From Tomasz Adamek Workout at the World Boxing and Fitness Center , Jersey City , NJ -  Picture by Tom Casino

From Promoter, Kathy Duva of Main Events: “Ticket sales are tracking way ahead of any other Adamek box office and the fight is still three weeks away. We are very excited and encouraged by the trends.”

From Adamek: When asked about his opponent Bobby Gunn - “For me every fight is a big fight. I basically prepare the same way each time; of course we make adjustments to fit my opponent. Gunn is hungry, it’s his big chance, and he could be dangerous. I am serious about this fight.”

You are known as a guy who can take a punch, how do you develop that? – “There is no practice for this. I come from a small village in Poland , Gilowice. I am a mountain guy, I am tough.”

When asked about fighting at Prudential Center – “First time I saw this place I thought it is beautiful! There is nothing like that in Poland . Many Polish people live near Prudential Center , I feel very at home there. It is very exciting to look up and see all the Polish people.”

When and why did you start boxing? – “I started boxing when I was 12, I liked it right away. My father loved boxing. He died when I was 2 years old, I don’t remember him, but he said to my Mother, ‘If we have a son, he will be a boxer’, I want to make him proud.”

“I could have many fights in Poland but I can’t get a big fight there. I knew that if I want to be a big fighter I had to come to the United States . I want to fight all the best boxers in the world, if you get a big name in boxing that is how you get the big TV contracts, how you can get your dreams.”

From Trainer Andrew Gmitruk – What are you working on now? – “You know, we keep our style because he’s been boxing about 20 years and you don’t want to change a boxer’s style, it’s dangerous to change everything. We want to keep it because it is very difficult for most boxers. He has very good footwork, very good direction, speed, a lot of jabs. He is dangerous for everybody. I have watched Bobby Gunn, we are prepared.”


Cunningham vs. Braithwaite IBF Cruiserweight Title Eliminator 11th July 2009

Philadelphia, PA. USA - 14th June 2009: The mouth watering prospect of two of the Cruiserweight division’s finest former World Champions, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite, facing each other is finally a reality after promoter, Don King Productions, confirmed that the fight will take place on the under card of the Joseph Agbeko - Vic Darchinyan IBF Bantamweight title fight at the Bank Atlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida on July 11th.

After months of on-off speculation former IBF King ‘USS’ Cunningham, and former WBC Champ, ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite will battle it out, in an IBF title eliminator, for the right to face current IBF Champion, Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek later this year in his mandatory defense.

Philadelphia’s ‘USS’ Cunningham, who had his prized IBF crown wrestled from him ..more


The Dream Team - Naazim Richardson Training Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham For Title Challenge

Philadelphia, PA. USA - 1st June 2009  - The battle between two former Cruiserweight World Champions, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham (IBF) and Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite (WBC), is a mouth watering prospect in itself, but when you add into the equation that the winner will earn the right to face current Champion, Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek, in the mandatory defense of his IBF title later this year, you just know that it’s going to be one seriously exciting, all-action affair with “Fight of the Year” potential plastered all over it in capital letters.

Now if that isn’t enough to get every boxing fan salivating at the prospect, the heavily armed destroyer, ‘USS’ Cunningham, announces that he has added even bigger guns to his already power packed arsenal by enlisting, “Trainer of the Year” ..continue


World Famous Gleason’s Gym London BRUCE ‘LIONHEART’ SCOTT

London, UK - 17th May 2009: Gleason’s Famed Trainer John Rooney Jnr. Speaks His Mind On Bruce Scott, ‘Buster’ Keeton and Prizefighter 7 - The Cruiserweights.

John Rooney Jnr. head coach and owner of the World Famous Gleason’s Gym London near Tower Bridge, spoke out on the upcoming Prizefighter 7 - The Cruiserweights, which takes place at Earl’s Court on Tuesday May 19th, and the chances of his charge, former British, Commonwealth and WBU International Champion Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott, being victorious and pocketing the top prize of £25,000.

Rooney, who as a manager and/or trainer, guided many well known fighters, such as fellow Prizefighter 7 competitor Micky Steeds, British Featherweight Champion Martin Lindsay and British, Commonwealth and European Middleweight Champion Howard Eastman, to national and International glory, was chosen by ‘Lionheart’ to prepare him for his return to big time boxing, following a three year sabbatical from the sport, because as the big Jamaican simply  click here


The Secret is Out: Afolabi Crowned Champion

With one whistling right hand, the "Best Kept Secret in Boxing" got out and newly crowned WBO Interim Cruiserweight Champion Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi (14-1-3, 6 KOs) couldn't be happier.

"I told you!" shouted the 28-year-old transplanted Californian. "I said this would be my coming out party and that's exactly what it was!"

Although he was considered an underdog going in to his fight against former champion Enzo Maccarinelli at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester on Saturday night, Afolabi tore into his Welsh opponent and had him hurt a few times before a picture-perfect overhand right sent him crashing to the deck in round nine. Though he rose, Maccarinelli was ruled unable to continue; making ..more


TOMASZ ADAMEK TO  DEFEND IBF CRUISER CROWN AGAINST JOHNATHON BANKS ON FRIDAY, FEB.  27

NEW  YORK  (Feb. 21, 2009) – A no-nonsense, non-stop action fighter who makes  for “Fight of  the Year” candidates more often than most, Tomasz Adamek  returns to SHOWTIME to  defend his International Boxing  Federation (IBF) cruiserweight title against undefeated Johnathon Banks in  the main event Friday, Feb.  27, on ShoBox: The New Generation (live at  11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west  coast).   

How exciting is the  aggressive-minded Adamek? Three of his last nine fights have been legitimate  candidates for “Fight of the Year”. So will  Adamek-Banks turn out to be another  “Fight of the  Year” nominee?   “You never know,  you’ll just have to watch and see,’’ said Adamek, a quiet, humble man outside  the ring who turns into a raging tiger inside...click here


Afolabi: "This is my Coming-out Party!" The Era of Ola begins March 14

Cruiserweight contender Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) is hosting a party on March 14, the day he faces former champion Enzo Maccarinelli for the Interim WBO Cruiserweight Championship at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester.

"This is my coming out party!" grins the 28-year-old London, England-born Nigerian currently living in California. "He (Maccarinelli) makes his base there, but what people may not know is that the UK is my home country too. I am coming home to win the title!"

For Afolabi's promoter, Dino Duva of Duva Boxing, being able to negotiate a ..click here


Bobby Gunn to Fight for Vacant NABA Cruiserweight Championship against Brad Gregory!

February 10, 2009, Hackensack, NJ – On February 25, Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn will attempt to win his 7th title belt as well as advance himself in the world Cruiserweight rankings. Gunn, the current WBC USNBC champion, will now be fighting for the vacant WBA NABA Cruiserweight crown.

A victory could help him surpass other credible contenders while moving him one step closer to another fight with an elite 200 lb fighter. In Gunn’s way is Brad Gregory 11-2 (9 KO’s), a Kansas native whose two losses were against much bigger and stronger ..click here


                                                                                                                          TONY DANZA’S TAKE ON BOXING AND THE CONTENDER                        By Michael Amakor

Washington DC, (November 24, 2008) Ever since his debut acting a boxer on the popular late seventies hit sitcom series “TAXI” Tony Danza’s star has been on the ascendancy and he has become familiar to TV audiences around the globe adding appearances on the triple Oscar winning movie “Crash”, and several sitcoms including the popular Tony Danza show to his record.

Right now, Tony Danza is making a come back to boxing center stage, as the host of the popular TV reality series The Contender, now in its fourth season, and previously hosted by Rocky star Sylvester Stallone and former 5 division world champion Sugar  ..MORE


 

'USS' Cunningham Wants Maccarinelli As Adamek Chooses Banks For First Title Defense


January 19, 2009 - In a recent interview with Polish on-line boxing magazine Bokser.org,current IBF cruiserweight champion, Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek, confirmed that his next opponent is to be Johnathon Banks. This decision thwart the efforts of former cruiserweight king, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, whom he defeated by a close split decision to gain the title on December 11th 2008, and his team to secure the quick rematch they ..more


 

Cunningham vs. Adamek Press Conference Quotes

Watch Fight Trailer 

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 Newark N.J.—International Boxing Federation cruiserweight world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham and former world champion Tomasz Adamek foreshadowed their Dec. 11 meeting at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. at a press conference today at the one-year-old venue.

“I work very hard because boxing is my job,” Cunningham, from Philadelphia, said. “My goal is to be the greatest of all time. ...continue


CUNNINGHAM vs. ADAMEK

NEWARK , N.J. —International Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (21-1, 11 KOs) will meet Polish-born former world champion Tomasz Adamek (35-1, 24 KOs) at the Prudential Center in Newark , N.J. on Thursday, Dec. 11.

Tickets priced at $303, $153, $78, $53, $38 go on sale on Monday at 11 a.m. and can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at 201-507-8900.

The event, with full undercard, is being co-promoted by Main Events and Don  more)


IBF World Champion Steve Cunningham to make guest appearance on radio talk show this Thursday.

IBF Cruiserweight World Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, is to make a special guest appearance this coming Thursday evening on internet radio talk show - Fight News Unlimited Combat Show - hosted by Rich Bergeron and Tony ‘The Tornado’ Penecale.

As well as talking about his life, boxing career and the upcoming title defense against #2 ranked Tomasz Adamek, Steve will also be answering questions from listeners, either by phone or those sent via the live chat room.

Show host, ‘Rabble Rousin’ Rich Beregron, said "We've been trying to track Steve Cunningham down for months now, and we're glad to finally get the opportunity (MORE)


"Too Smooth” Godfrey heads to Germany for March 8th WBC Title Eliminator versus Kraj

PROVIDENCE (February 27, 2008) – Undefeated WBC No. 1 cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs) broke his Hartford-based training camp on Tuesday and departed for Germany to acclimate himself for his March 8 WBC title elimination showdown against unbeaten No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj (13-0, 10 KOs) in Krefeld.

“I’ve been training for this fight since Christmas,” the 27-year-old NABF champion Godfrey explained, “but I really started training camp around the first week of September for a fight (versus Jeremy Williams) that fell out right before Thanksgiving. So, I’m ready for this fight, and I want to go in and let everybody see what all of this hard work and training has done for me. People are going to see the Matt Godfrey who was so explosive against (Shaun) George and (Felix) Cora (Jr), in addition to seeing some different stuff that comes from new conditioning training that allows me to do a lot more in the ring. Click on the results of March 8 and see Godfrey as the decisive victor.”

The winner of Godfrey-Kraj not only will become the WBC’s mandatory challenger, it also has additional implications because WBC/WBA title-holder David Haye fights WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli on March 8 in London. A Haye victory reportedly will send him up to heavyweight, leaving the cruiserweight division wide open, and the Godfrey-Kraj winner possibly the new WBC champion or interim title-holder. More

“We had the DVD player going every day and we’ve noticed some different things about Kraj that we’ve worked on,” Godfrey spoke about his 2000 Olympic silver medal winning opponent, Kraj. “He’s a solid opponent with good strength and size. He’s the real deal and it’s going to be a great fight.

“I’m not concerned about fighting him in Germany. We’re going over there early to get acclimated to the weather and time. We’ll have ample time to adjust. The winner could be the new world champion or interim title holder. The worst that can happen is the winner is the mandatory contender, and that’s why I’m looking at this as a world title fight, whether it is or isn’t.”

Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

The highly decorated U.S. amateur defeated many boxers who today are outstanding professionals such as WBA middleweight title challenger Randy “The Gentleman Griffin (24-1-3, 12 KOs), unbeaten heavyweight prospect Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (21-0, 14 KOs), Devin Vargas (14-0, 6 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (15-2, 12 KOs), Leonard “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs) and John Johnson (12-1, 10 KOs).


Godfrey Punches Way to Germany For

WBC Title Eliminator versus Kraj on March 8

PROVIDENCE (February 4, 2008) – Unbeaten NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 1 by the World Boxing Council, travels to Germany to battle undefeated, No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj (13-0, 10 KOs) on March 8 in a WBC title elimination bout determining champion David Haye’s mandatory challenger.

“Kraj won a Silver Medal in the 2000 Olympics and going overseas to fight him will be a big test,” the 27-year-old Godfrey said. “He’s very good. Kraj is a typical Eastern European fighter who does some things very well. The winner of this fight is going to be set-up nice in the WBC. I’m looking at it as a title fight.”

The WBC title eliminator potentially has additional implications because Haye, who also holds the WBA title belt, fights the same night as Godfrey-Kraj in a unification bout versus WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli. A win by Haye reportedly will send him up to heavyweight, leaving the cruiserweight division wide open, and the Godfrey-Kraj winner possibly the new WBC champion or Interim title-holder. More

“I’ve fought in Europe as an amateur but never in Germany,” Godfrey noted. “I’ve watched the surge of boxing in Europe and always knew that my title run would go through Europe, especially with cruiserweights like Haye, Enzo and Jean-Marc Mormeck. I’ve prepared mentally and I believe that I’m a world class fighter who is ready for this.”

Godfrey has been training almost non-stop since the middle of August. First, his bout against Jeremy Williams in November was cancelled when the show fell apart, and the Kraj fight was originally slated for February. He will head to Germany with his head trainer, former world light heavyweight title challenger “Iceman” John Scully, 10-14 days in advance of the show in order to get acclimated and arrange sparring.

Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

The highly decorated U.S. amateur defeated many boxers who today are outstanding professionals such as WBA middleweight title challenger Randy “The Gentleman Griffin (24-1-3, 12 KOs), unbeaten heavyweight prospect Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (21-0, 14 KOs), Devin Vargas (14-0, 6 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (15-2, 12 KOs), Leonard “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs) and John Johnson (12-1, 10 KOs).


David Haye KO's Jean-Marc Mormeck To Win WBC, WBA Titles

Pictures by Jane Warburton

11/11/07 - David Haye has skyrocketed to the top of the cruiserweight division by knocking out Jean-Marc Mormeck in seven rounds tonight on a Don King Promotion at Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan in Paris, France to forcefully annex the WBC and WBA world titles.

The 27 year old Londoner started off fast, working behind a heavy jab to launch a bruising body attack but the champion closed the distance and shook Haye with a cracking combination at the end of the second.

Haye regained control in the third behind the jab but was down in the fourth when Mormeck connected with a bracing combination of hooks. Haye beat the count and managed to land a few power shots on the oncoming champion to prevent Mormeck from running roughshod.

The champion continued to dictate the action in the fifth, pounding Haye at times with a powerful inside attack that the challenger managed to survive by using good movement and a stiff jab.

Haye regained his composure in the sixth frame, making Mormeck miss repeatedly while countering with accurate jab, right hand salvos but in the seventh, the challenger finally managed to nail Mormeck flush with a startling uppercut, left hook, overhand right combination.

Mormeck went down hard and while he beat the referee's count, the Frenchman was in no condition to continue and the Frank Maloney promoted David Haye was declared the new WBC and WBA champion.

On the undercard, French WBC Light Welter Youth Champion Ali Cheba, 23-0 (17), stopped Brazil's Wellington DeJesus, 11-1 (7), in the third and former WBA Light Welter titlist Souleymane M'baye, 36-2-1 (21), stopped Ameth Diaz, 23-7 (17), in the fourth in a WBC title eliminator.

The stoppages continued as European Union titlist Christophe Canclaux, 35-2 (21), finished ex-IBO boss Steve Conway, 34-9 (7), in three and cruiser Francisco Palacios, 13-0 (7), saw off Andrey Zaitsev, 4-8 (3), in four.

Light welter Olivier Bonine, 8-1-1 (1), outpointed Nuno Cruz, 4-7 (1), over six rounds


Mormeck vs. Haye Showdown This Saturday In Paris

WBC number one challenger David Haye has left true carnage in his wake on the climb to the top of the cruiserweight heap but the London slugger must now bring his vaunted power punching to bear upon the true world champion of the division, WBC and WBA Champion Jean-Marc Mormeck as the two clash this Saturday, November 10 on a Don King Productions promotion at Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, Paris, France.

Mormeck, 33-3 (21), has savagely defended his position with wins over a superb list of challengers including Virgil Hill, Wayne Braithwaite, Dale Brown and Alexander Gurov while avenging the only loss on his record in the last ten years by defeating O'Neill Bell in a rematch this past March.

But Haye, 19-1 (18), has the firepower as evidenced by a first round destruction in April over 231 pound Polish heavyweight Tomasz Bonin, who came into the fight with Haye at 37-1 and having gone nine rounds with former Olympic Gold Medallist Audley Harrison.

Once the bell rings to start the first round, there will be no quarter given as both men have stated their only intention is to leave the other a twisted wreck upon the canvas in this winner take all world cruiserweight title bout that has "Fight of The Year" written all over it.

A high quality undercard supports the main event as Ali Cheba, 22-0 (16), meets Efren Guerrero, 16-6-3 (12), for the WBC Youth light welterweight crown.

Also on the bill, former WBA light welter champ Souleymane M'baye meets Ameth Diaz, EU light middleweight titlist Christophe Canclaux squares off with ex-IBO king Steve Conway and light welter Olivier Bonine faces Eric Patrac.

Don King Productions presents Jean Marc-Mormeck vs. David Haye for the WBC and WBA Cruiserweight Championship of the world on Saturday, November 10 at Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, Paris, France.

Tickets are €190 Ringside VIP, €130 Ringside, €90 Platform and €50 General Admission and can be purchased from FNAC, Carrefour, Printemps and Bon Marche.

Matt Godfrey defends NABF title against Jeremy Williams

on “Pinnacle FiteNite: The Heat’s On In Hartford”

Nov. 24 at the Connecticut Convention Center

HARTFORD (November 1, 2007) – Unbeaten cruiserweight Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey defends his NABF title against former WBO heavyweight title challenger Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams, headlining “Pinnacle FiteNite: The Heat’s On In Hartford,” on November 24 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

“Pinnacle FiteNite: The Heat’s On In Hartford,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment, Inc. (CES), in association with Sports Entertainment & Media, Inc., will be taped live and aired at dates and times to be determined across the country on numerous Comcast regional stations and the American One Network, as well as internationally by KOTV. Pinnacle FiteNite is produced by 21 Lakes and distributed by Integrated Sports.

Providence native Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Council, takes on Williams (42-5-1, 35 KOs), fighting out of Long Beach (CA), in the 12-round main event. Godfrey also is rated No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 6 by the World Boxing Association.

Williams, who was a trainer for the first two seasons on The Contender television reality series, campaigned as a relatively small heavyweight throughout his pro career until fighting this past August 18 as a cruiserweight, earning a win by eight-round decision against veteran Gary Gomez in Utah.

“I lobbied to bring this show to Hartford because of its rich boxing tradition,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said, “starting with the great Willie Pep and continuing with Marlon Starling and so many others. We’re thrilled that these fights and fighters are going to be shown worldwide on Pinnacle FiteNite. Matt Godfrey is No. 2 in the world and he’s going to be fighting his most dangerous opponent, Jeremy Williams. We declined to fight in Germany for the mandatory No. 1 position in the WBC to take this fight.”

Undefeated Las Vegas cruiserweight prospect Aaron Williams (15-0-1, 11 KOs), former nine-time United States amateur champion, is scheduled to fight in the eight-round co-feature. On the undercard in separate bouts are WBC rated No. 23 super middleweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (20-1-1, 15 KOs), of Providence; Jackie Kallen-managed Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs), of Manchester (CT), the former WBC Youth super featherweight champion; cruiserweight Marc “The Defender” Saggese (3-0, 3 KOs), the high-profile defense attorney from Las Vegas known as the toughest pound-for-pound lawyer; Hartford junior welterweight Addy Irizarry (2-1, 2 KOs). Additional fights will soon be announced. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

“We at Pinnacle FiteNite are excited to work with an experienced, respected promoter like Jimmy Burchfield,” Pinnacle FiteNite executive producer Ritch Danner commented. “We look forward to taking our television series to the East Coast and working with CES to showcase the talents from both companies – Matt Godfrey, Jeremy Williams, Aaron Williams and others. We plan on working with CES on future shows to feature other fighters with compelling stories like Marc Saggese, who’s fighting on this show, Shawn Hawk and Chuck Mussachio, to name a few.”

Tickets are priced at $35.00 (Bronze), $50.00 (VIP Silver), $100.00 (VIP Gold), and $150.00 (limited Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Group discounts are available. Discount tickets are available for members of the Connecticut police and fire departments, men and women active in the U.S. military, and students. VIP Presidential Tables (total of 10 tables, 8 per table) are available by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254. Call CES at 401.724.2253/2254, the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261) and Connecticut Restoration (860.528.6800), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com, to order tickets or for more information. Doors will open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:45 PM/ET.

HARTFORD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Matt Godfrey: “The other night at the gym I was telling John (Godfrey’s new head trainer, John Scully) that I was surprised somebody like Jeremy Williams with 15 years as a pro, longer than I’ve been boxing (in his entire life), with all of his accomplishments, called me out after only 16 fights. It says a lot about me. I’m going to blow Jeremy Williams’ mind and everybody else’s with my ring generalship and skills. I’m not going to be a nice guy. I wish he was still on the phone but he hung up. He got under my skin a little bit, shooting his mouth off. He can’t fight. I’m going to hurt him, humiliate him. I’m the wrong guy to make an example of. Nobody fights the same. I expect him to bring his A game and I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t. It’s going to be great seeing him swing at air and getting hit. Beware of what you wish for, Jeremy, I’m not the guy to make an example of.”

Jeremy Williams (by phone): “I’m not terribly impressed with Matt ‘Too Smooth’ Godfrey. I saw his last three fights; he’s okay. It’s inconsequential what ESPN says about him. He has a good record but I have more knockouts that he has fights. I’m bringing the heat. I have Rico Hoye in camp.

(Godfrey interrupts: “Ha, ha, ha. I’m the wrong guy to reckon with. You’re making a big mistake. Nobody cares about you. You’re what, 37, and have been knocked out five times. You’re the one gunning for me and I’ve only had 16 pro fights. You’re going to see a big difference in styles. You’re ever seen anyone like me. You’re going to get hit more in 6-7 rounds than you’ve ever been hit in a 12-round fight.”)

Williams continues: “The most scared puppy does the most barking. There’s no easy win to become champion -- if there is, somebody outline it and email it to me. Matt Godfrey is in my way, so be it. This isn’t going to be easy, but it won’t be the hardest fight I’ve been in. I’m glad he’s up to the challenge. I’ve had 35 knockouts in the heavyweight division. I’m ready to put myself on the line to become the Cruiserweight Champion of the World. This is a step towards that but all I’m focused on right now is beating Godfrey.”

Matt Remillard: “I’m excited to be on another big card in Hartford, headlined again by Matt Godfrey. I’ve had an amazing training camp with Paul (his trainer, Paul Cichon), a long one. I had an issue with my wrist and I’m ready to resume my career and have a big 2008. Addy and I are the two local fighters and we’re going to do our best. I love fighting here, where I won my title (WBC Youth super featherweight), and I hope to fight here a lot more. I expect a good show on November 24.”

Addy Irizarry: “I’m really looking forward to fighting in my hometown of Hartford. You won’t be sorry; we have some excellent fighters on this card.”


 

 

Darnell WilsonDarnell Wilson Victory

 

Sudden Lightening on Staten Island

 

 

By Ted Sares

 

On June 29, Nigerian slugger Emmanuel Nwodo met streaking Darnell “Ding-A-Ling Man” Wilson in 12-round USBA Cruiserweight Championship bout at the St. George Theater in Staten Island on the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights. Nwodo (21-3, 17 KO’s) is ranked eighth by the WBO, and had won 10 straight victories. Wilson, a winner of three in a row, was 21-5-2 coming in, including 18 wins by way of KO.

Nwodo had won the vacant USBA Cruiserweight Title a year ago by stopping Chris “Cold Steel” Thomas in three, but prior to that, he greatly impressed by icing tough Imamu Mayfield in one.

This was a battle of knockout artists and promised to be a “don’t blink” type of fight, but it proved to be something more.

In a classic ebb and flow war and with blood flowing from the eyes of each fighter due to butts, the Nigerian went down early from a sweeping left hook. However, he came back to win the middle rounds and grab the lead going down the stretch. He did it primarily with good foot movement and in and out punching and seemed in control going into the championship rounds. However, Wilson was never really hurt and seemed to have a much better chin; this would soon prove to be important.

In the tenth and with the suddenness of a lightening strike, Nwodo made the mistake of throwing a right from too far away and was countered by a short straight right and follow-up left which sent him to the canvas. The right did most of the damage.

Still not fully recovered going into the eleventh round, the game Nwodo came out willing and winging, but once again was staggered by the heavy handed Wilson who hits like he has embalming fluid in each fist. The Nigerian champion quickly found himself the prey in a track and execute type of situation. The tracking ended on the ropes as the “Ding-A-Ling Man” trapped Nwodo and missed with a whistling right but followed up with as savage a left hook as you will ever see. The punch landed with full force, leverage and impact knocking Nwodo cold. Without a doubt, it will be the Knockout of the Year. Heck, I would dread witnessing anything worse.

Emmanuel remained on the canvas for several scary minutes and there was a palpable sense of relief when he finally was able to stand. Fortunately, New Jersey has a competent commission and all necessary precautionary measures were in place in the event of just such a situation.

This was one Friday night fight I will not soon forget. These two guys came to rumble in the non-theatrical sense. It just doesn’t get any better.

Thanks for the memories.


Emmanuel Nwodo

 

EMMANUEL NWODO TRAINING CAMP NOTES -  HE MAKES HIS FIRST USBA CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE DEFENSE

By Michael Amakor

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW TRAINING VIDEO

Baltimore MD, (June 27, 2006) Right in the middle of inner city Baltimore lies the graffiti like painted and spacious Mack Lewis boxing gym opened with much fanfare in 2002 and named after the owner who once trained former middleweight champion Vincent Pettaway and Reggie Gross. Adorning its walls are posters of long forgotten fights of local legends, ocassionally Baltimore’s best boxing pugilists  like former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman and others have found their way . (More)


Jirov risks potential world title fight headlining “

 

Thriller On The River” -

Pinnacle FiteNite” series launches July 14 at 4 Bears Casino in North Dakota

 

NEW TOWN, North Dakota (June 26, 2007) – Former IBF champion Vassiliy “The Tiger” Jirov puts his potential world title fight against WBA title-holder Vigil “Quicksilver” Hill, or any of the other cruiserweight kings, on the line July 14 when he headlines “Thriller On The River,” launching the “Pinnacle FiteNite” pro boxing series, at 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.

 

Jirov (36-3-1, 30 KOs), 1996 Olympic gold medal winner and Outstanding Boxer, was born in Kazakhstan and now fights out of Scottsdale, Arizona. The rugged southpaw, presently ranked No. 14 by the WBA, captured the IBF cruiserweight title in 1999 by seventh-round stoppage of “King” Arthur Williams. Jirov successfully defended his title belt six times against Dale Brown (KO10), Saul Montana (TKO9), Alex Gonzales (KO1), Terry McGroom (KO1), Julian Letterlough (TKO8) and Jorge Fernando Castro (DEC12).

 

Jirov’s opponent in the 10-round main event on July 14 is veteran Kenny “The Raven” Craven (28-18, 23 KOs). The battle-tested Craven, who has been in with world champions such as Michael Nunn, Vaughn Bean, Oliver McCall and Henry Akinwande, as well as leading contenders Calvin Brock, Timor Ibragomov and Clifford Etienne, won two of four fights with fabled Eric “Butterbean” Esch.

 

“This is the fight to put me back in line for a world title fight,” Jirov said. “People will know I’m back after this fight. It’s a new stage in my life. Past is past; now is kind of going from zero to a new beginning. I’m excited about this fight and I will be bringing my best to prove that I’m still one of the top cruiserweights in the world.”

 

“Thriller On The River,” presented by 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in association with Sports and Entertainment Media, Inc., which launches the “Pinnacle FiteNite” monthly series to be broadcast from a wide variety of venues, will air worldwide on a taped delay basis for free.

RANKING

1 Steve Cunningham
2 Marco Huck
3 Guillermo Jones
4 Krzystof Wlodarczyk
 

MOST DESERVING OF A TITLE SHOT

Herbie Hide
 

MISSING IN ACTION

O’Neil Bell

 

PAST FIGHTS